'Cast out' rotten apples if there's proof – CJ

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, releasing the State of the Judiciary report last week, called on the public to oust any judges who were 'rotten'. He also covered a range of issues – from digital court processes to attacks on the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture and the woeful inadequacies that blight the Public Works Department, notes Legalbrief. Mogoeng, responding to recent allegations of corruption in the judiciary, said: 'If there are rotten apples in our midst, they must be cast out in order to save the rest. If anybody has evidence against judges, please bring them forward.' Mogoeng also said it was the task of the police to probe the allegations of corruption against judges, reports The Citizen. On the landmark Constitutional Court 'spanking' judgment, Mogoeng said it was important for those who sought clarity on the judgment to read the ruling. A better understanding of the ruling was crucial, he said. The Chief Justice also urged a campaign to be launched that would introduce a different approach on how sexual offences cases are handled by law enforcement. The cases require sensitivity, special training, and a totally different approach, he said. He suggested special training of the investigating officers to deal with gender-based violence cases. He also called for specially trained magistrates to ensure justice would be done in these cases.